Irish city that's 'better than Dublin' for tourists - boasting more friendly pubs and breathtaking beaches

Dublin is undoubtedly Ireland's most famous and largest city. However, Galway might be the second most well-known Irish city globally.

Most tourists from countries like the US land in Ireland and make a beeline for Dublin . It's true that Dublin Airport offers a wealth of airline options, far surpassing Shannon Airport in the country's west.

However, the beauty of Ireland is its compact size makes it easy to travel from one location to another. Tourists generally have a fantastic time in Dublin .

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The Irish capital is brimming with activities, sights, and culinary delights. From its traditional Irish pubs to its top-rated museums and delectable eateries, Dublin always promises an enjoyable trip.

But that doesn't mean other Irish cities should be overlooked. Many visitors who've traveled to Galway, situated in the west of Ireland, have reported preferring their time there over Dublin.

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So, we thought we'd compare both cities and determine if Galway is more worth your while when visiting Ireland. Galway City, as you might expect, is located in County Galway.

The nearest airport to Galway City is Shannon, just over an hour's drive away. There are also bus services operating between Shannon and Galway. If you're flying into Dublin Airport, you can reach Galway in two and a half hours.

Surrounding Dublin, you'll find some decent beaches and natural beauty, but it pales in comparison to the wilds around Galway City, especially Connemara . Connemara is arguably the jewel in Ireland's crown with its dramatic vistas and breathtaking beaches , a picture-perfect scene straight out of a postcard.

When it comes to music and nightlife, Galway stands out for its cultural vibe and musical heart. The Latin Quarter is alive with the sounds of live music spilling from pubs and venues.

Dublin's got a good dose of traditional Irish tunes too, yet nightlife in Galway just has a bit more magic and that's not just us saying so. A Reddit user reminisced about their preference for Galway over Dublin, stating, "In general most tourists I know preferred Galway over Dublin as it's got more of the postcard pictures like the funny colored houses and old buildings and Irish speaking areas and Irish music right in one place."

Not to mention, "It's also cheaper for food and drink than Dublin so I'd also recommend it for that."

Some reckon that you're likelier to get a warmer welcome in the west compared to big city Dublin. Might be down to the cozier size of Ireland's smaller cities. Across platforms like Reddit, Quora, and Tripadvisor, the chorus is the same - you're met with more conversation in closer-knit Galway than in bustling Dublin.

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